Research in the International Journal of Materials and Product Technology has demonstrated that adding a small amount of nanoscopic silica particles to a fibre-reinforced cement composite can improve its resistance to cracking. The finding could be used to improve durability in steel bridge structures, the team explains.
The researchers looked at cement-based composites made from cement, quartz sand, nano silica and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibres. They tested six concentrations of nano silica, ranging from 0 to 2.5% by content. Adding 0.5% nano silica improved overall performance the most. Indeed, when compared to similar composites with no nano silica, the material was found to have a compressive strength 10 per cent higher, flexural strength improved by almost 14 per cent, and initial fracture toughness was more than 8 per cent higher. Fracture toughness measures a material's ability to resist the growth of cracks once they form.
The work could address a persistent challenge in composite steel bridges where the use of composite beams can reduce construction time, but leaves the concrete vulnerable to cracks in areas subjected to negative bending forces around supports. The team suggests that careful optimisation is needed to ensure that the right formulation is used for particular bridges and other demanding construction applications.
Wang, P. and Wang, Y. (2026) ‘Crack resistance and toughening mechanism of nano-SiO2 reinforced PVA fibre cement matrix composites in steel bridge engineering’, Int. J. Materials and Product Technology, Vol. 70, No. 6, pp.83–98.
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